Announcements, Featured - August 18, 2025
Intereach wins Deniliquin Business of the Year
Pictured above at the awards are (from left) Intereach team members, including board chair Rob Brown, Helen Ford, board director Noel Graham, Felicity Whorlow, Leisha East, Sarah Matthews, board director Pat Fogarty, Tamra Nevinson and Michael Ladson. Photo by Deni Pastoral Times.
Intereach has been honoured for its outstanding contributions to the community at the 2025 Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards on Friday night.
The organisation took home Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, Employer of Choice (21 employees and over, and the coveted 2025 Business of the Year award at the annual event, hosted by the Deniliquin Business Chamber at Deniliquin RSL Club.
Representing Intereach on the night were General Managers Sarah Matthews and Felicity Whorlow, along with local staff and members of the Intereach Board.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised among such a strong field of nominees,” Intereach Co-CEO Yvette Buhagiar said.
“These awards are a reflection of the dedication, passion, and community spirit of our Deniliquin staff.”
The business awards are a celebration of local business success, bringing together 32 nominees, as well as sponsors, and community leaders from across the region.
Intereach was nominated in three categories – Employer of Choice (21 Employees & Over), Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion, and Outstanding Community Organisation.
Winning Business of the Year award was a proud and emotional moment for Intereach, a recognition of both our deep roots in Deniliquin and the positive impact our services have across the region – from childcare and NDIS access to family supports and aged care.
Founded in Deniliquin 52 years ago, the organisation’s reach now extends across regional NSW and Victoria, but our heart remains firmly in the communities where we first began.
“What an incredible and unexpected surprise,” Mrs Buhagiar said.
“This award, coming from the community where our story began, makes it even more special. It’s a testament to the passion and commitment of our staff and volunteers, whose dedication allows us to grow and continue serving our communities.”
The Employer of Choice award recognises Intereach’s commitment to being a destination employer, ensuring staff are supported, valued, and empowered to deliver high-quality services to their communities. This category saw tough competition from other outstanding local organisations.
“Being named Employer of Choice means so much to us because it reflects the experience of our people,” General Manager of People, Quality and Risk Felicity Whorlow said.
“We strive to create a workplace where staff feel supported, respected, and proud of the work they do – and this award is a credit to every member of our team who brings that culture to life every day.”
The Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion award acknowledges Intereach’s work to create a culturally safe and welcoming environment, including initiatives such as its Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan, Aboriginal Health programs, and Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) services.
“It was such a great honour to receive this award tonight,” Ms Whorlow said.
“Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of how we work at Intereach, and this recognition means so much to everyone in our team. I’m so proud of the way our staff, volunteers, and partners create spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and welcome.”
Intereach also congratulates Chair, Rob Brown, who was named Outstanding Business Leader on the night, a well-deserved recognition of his steady leadership, community focus, and long-standing commitment to strengthening our region
The Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of businesses and organisations across the Edward River region. This year’s event shone a spotlight on innovation, leadership, and contributions to the local economy and community life.
Intereach congratulates all fellow nominees and winners, and thanks the Deniliquin Business Chamber, event sponsors, and judges for their support and recognition.
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